February is synonymous with love. However, this month also serves as a reminder of a darker reality.
February is also National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.
Did you know up to 19% of teens experience dating violence? In fact, the CDC reports 1 in 12 teens will experience physical and sexual violence by their partner.
“We’re looking at not just high schoolers, but we’re looking at middle schoolers and also some of those more advanced elementary school,” said Michelle Sperzel, CEO of Harbor House.
Sperzel teaches young people to know the signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships.
“The healthy ones really outline it from that lesson, it’s happy, it’s respectful, it’s kind, it’s listening. And then the unhealthy ones are gaslighting being angry, lying, cheating,” explained Sperzel.
The abuse is not always physical. It could be the partner controlling how you dress, making you check in constantly, unfounded cheating accusations, and…
“It might be that they are really tied into social media in an unhealthy way because the person who is abusing them is asking them or requiring them to be on there,” said Sperzel.
And Sperzel warns the most dangerous time for a teen is after the relationship ends.
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“He started stalking her. He slashed all her tires. All of it is because she had broken up with him,” explained Sperzel.
Help is available. If you or someone you know is a victim, call the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline at 1-866-331-9474.
Before the age of 15, more boys are victims of teen dating violence, but after 15 it’s more girls. That’s why it’s important that all children learn what a healthy relationship looks like at a young age.
The impact of teen dating violence can last a lifetime. Studies show that people who experience dating violence between ages 14 and 17 have worse mental health as adults and are more likely to self-harm.
